Earlier Houses: There were a number of earlier houses, including the 16th century Arbigland Hall, whose site is today occupied by the Sunken Rose Garden.

Built / Designed For: William Craik

House & Family History: William Craik's illegitimate son, James Craik, trained to become a physician at the University of Edinburgh; he later immigrated to America, where he set up a medical practice in Winchester, Virginia. Dr. Craig served as George Washington’s medical officer during the French and Indian War; he joined the Continental Army in 1777, ultimately becoming the chief hospital physician of the American army. Craig retired from the army in 1783 and established a private practice in Alexandria, Virginia, where he became the personal physician to George Washington. Dr. Craig was at Washington’s bedside on December 14, 1799, when the first president died.

Garden & Outbuildings: William Craik's head gardener, John Paul Sr., was the father of John Paul Jr. (the fourth of seven children), who was born on July 6, 1747, on the Arbigland Estate. Junior, who spent his youth at Arbigland, emigrated to America in the 1770s and became famous as John Paul Jones, often called the "Father of the American Navy," which is why today you will find the John Paul Jones Museum next to Arbigland House. He added "Jones" to his name in the 1770s, possibly to protect his reputation from accusations of brutality on the ships he commanded. The Blackett family produce John Paul Jones-branded seaweed-infused rum on the estate.

House Listed: Category A

Park Listed: Listed as a Garden & Designed Landscape

Current Seat / Home of: Jamie and Sheri Blackett

Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT EARLIER HOUSES: Murray family, 15th century. Craik family, 1679-1755. SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: William Craik, 1755-98; Douglas Hamilton-Craik, 1798-1844; John Hamilton-Craik, 1844-52. General William Stewart Balfour, 1852-69; Robert Balfour Stewart, 1869-72. Colonel C.E. Blackett, 1872-1904; Captain W.S.B. Blackett, 1904-14.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home

Ownership Details: Cottages on the estate can be booked for holiday stays

House Open to Public: Yes

Phone: 01387-880-613

Website: https://arbiglandhouseandgardens.co.uk/

Historic Houses Member: No